M*CH*MORE One Name Study
In Memoriam Bob Muchamore
Bob Muchamore, the founder of this web site, passed away suddenly at his home in South Australia on 5 Sep 2004, leaving a wife, six children and twelve grandchildren.
Bob did not take up genealogy until about 1990. He had previously thought that there were but two surviving cousins of his generation—what a shock it must have been to rediscover his extended family. He estimated that there were (world-wide) only about 50 living persons born to the Muchamore name, with perhaps another 20 who had taken the name in marriage.
No-one had been able to find any links to 'Muchamore' before about 1840, so Bob initially collected as much data on 'Michelmore' and similar names as he could get his hands on. It quite soon became a fascination for him to establish a One Name Study for M*CH*MORE and then, in 1992, this web site. Bob always found it a pleasure to meet (by snail-mail and email) people from all over the world, many of whom became good friends quite apart from their common interest in genealogy. He believed in sharing rather than selling information, ensuring that it remains a very fascinating and enjoyable hobby rather than a profit-driven obligation.
Not content with starting the M*CH*MORE One Name Study, Bob became involved in the FreeCEN project. As stated on their web site, 'Bob was one of the pioneers of the FreeCEN project, from the very earliest days, both as a stalwart of the Devon Project and as king-pin of the overall project management. Bob served on the FreeCEN Exec through some of its most difficult times, only stepping down a mere 5 months before he died. Throughout his time with the project, even after his 'retirement', Bob was utterly tireless in offering freely of his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things FreeCEN to those in need of help. His contribution to the project cannot be overstated'.
This is what he wrote about himself for this web site:
My mother used to say that I made a right April fool of her when I arrived into this world at 9.20 on Easter morning in 1934, but that her compensation was the Salvation Army band playing 'Glory ...' hymns on the street corner outside the house!
I was born on 1 April 1934, a home birth (as was the custom in those days) in my parents' rented accommodation in Taunton, Somerset. Within the year the family had moved into a new housing development in Downend, some five miles from the centre of Bristol and, in those days, right on the outskirts of the city. The neighbours were primarily similar young parents so us kids had plenty of playmates and we all attended the local Primary School from which I was fortunate enough to gain a full-fees scholarship.
My secondary education (until the age of 19) was therefore provided at Rendcomb College, a private school near Cirencester in Gloucestershire and, along with the education, I developed a love of the Cotswold Country. Meanwhile my father's work moved the family home to Perry Barr, in Birmingham, in 1946 and to Crewe about 1950.
Leaving Rendcomb in 1953 I went straight into REME for the compulsary two-year National Service and spent most of that time at Arborfield near Reading as a technical equipment instructor. During this period the family again moved, this time to Slough in Buckinghamshire where I returned after service discharge and started my working life at the age of 21.
In 1954, while re-establishing contact with a school friend in Hove, a 'blind date' was arranged for me. Suffice to say that I married the young girl and we started out life together in Maidenhead, later buying a house in Slough (very convenient because of the Industrial Estate, even if not the most beautiful of countryside!). We had four sons and two daughters quite quickly and life was, really, progressing quite nicely when we decided to emigrate to Australia in 1969 (Mum had died in 1967).
We came to South Australia and soon moved into a 'temporary' house ('until we got ourselves properly settled...')—and we are still in the same home today. The children all grew up and married and have their own homes and have given us eleven surviving grand-children so the house is much quieter than the days when there were three generations (including my father who spent many years with us) living here.
My employment has been varied: chemical research, industrial electrical research, air-conditioning controls, publicity writing and layout, sales of switch-gear and and later a different range of industrial control equipment, and finally office computer manager. I am now retired, but that does not mean that there is nothing to do all day! There is always scope for volunteer work which can use my varied experiences.
Bob certainly gave freely from his knowledge and experience, and not only in the area of genealogy. He will be sorely missed by all those that knew him.
The following eulogies were spoken by members of his family at his funeral.
Spoken by Elizabeth (Beth)
My Dad.
My dad was a man of many qualities. Caring, Teaching, Honest, Helpful and Just. He taught me plus others so many things. When I came to ask for help with anything he would say 'you're a pain in the ass' but would then get up and help with whatever the problem was. He wouldn't do it for you but would show you how to fix it. He could turn his hand to anything, be it wooden toys, replacing floorboards, fixing the roof, sewing or tapestry, plus so much more. He even dug the hole for me when one of my pets died.
Dad has helped in the Community since we came here. In Scouting initially and then once he finished work in the literacy programme, neighbourhood watch, family history and always available to help neighbours, family and friends.
He loved my Mum totally and di so much while she was ill. His ponds and fish are a tranquil spot to sit and remember as the gnomes stroll across the bridge. He never went anywhere without his beanie having gone bald in his 20s – and used to say 'Grass doesn't grow on a busy street'. He was an intense thinker but also a doer. Teaching himself computer programming, helping others to learn how to use and access modern technology. He could often be found in the garage fixing or making something to assist someone.
I am amazed but not amazed (if that makes sense) at the number of e-mails from across the world from people that Dad helped with family history. Most have never me him but all speak highly of him and are grateful for the help he gave them.
I'm proud to say Bob Muchamore is my Dad. He was very much loved and will be greatly missed.
Spoken by Theresa Staines
My Grandad was a man with many talents, a good sense of humour and a heart so big he did whatever he could for all those he met.
Grandad had many talents and enjoyed sharing his creations with others. From the big Thomas the Tank Engine that we pulled people on up and down the street to the dolls houses that keep Nan young. He made us Grandkids many wooden toys, puzzles, dolls houses and even kits to make our own toy cars.
His love for Mickey Mouse will never be forgotten; I mean what grown man would paint a big Mickey on a wall in their own house!! An then there's the twirling Mickey and Minnie's by the pond, the money boxes, the films and who knows what else he has hidden away.
His incredible lifelike tapestries that hang around the house will be an everlasting gift from Grandad, it's a skill that he taught others with enough patience, but we could never compare to the work he has produced – and even if we thought we could he would find once wrong stitch out of thousands.
Grandad also enjoyed putting the last piece into an 'impossible' puzzle, well the last piece that was needed anyway as many would know the impossible puzzles have five extra pieces and no border!! His collection of stamps and his steam train collection will be reminders of a man that was still young at heart.
The family will have many unforgettable memories of Grandad from Christmas BBQs to Sunday lunches to individual ways that Grandad touched our hearts and helped us to grow into the people we are today.
The Community will also remember him for his involvement in Neighbourhood Watch and Family History and the man who walked his 'Two Dogs' around the oval every morning.
I would like to say THANK YOU for the wonderful memories, the many skills you have taught me and the Maraschino – Cheers Grandad!
Enjoy the peace and quite……….Bob Love – Because we will all join you again someday!!
P.S. Don't worry too much about Granny, we will all be
watching out for her and Jack and Skipper too.
Spoken by Joan Muchamore
Thank you everybody for coming today.
To our children, partners, grandchildren, family and friends.
I thank you for your love and support.
To our son-in-law Jude, a special thank you for spending time with Dad and for the extra help and support over the last 7 months.
He looked forward to the tea and talking in the morning.
'Keep the smoking corner warm for him.'
Each one has their own memories of Bob and for that I thank you.
Be proud of your children, Bob, and our extended family.
God bless, sleep peacefully.
'Because'
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